Things I am Thankful for...

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I do not have as much time or access to a computer these days, so forgive me for not keeping up with my posts. I will try to post as much as possible. In honor of Thanksgiving, here is a list (although not exhaustive) of the people/things I am thankful for: Jesus; Grace and redemption; Forgiveness; Love; My family; Seeing my nephew again!; My niece; My best friend; Friends who stood by me...and continue to stand by me in difficult times; Long talks; Answers to prayer; Anonymous gifts; My new job; A house to live in that now has a new roof; Food to eat...and the ability to cook it; My church; My pastor; Crisp fall air...which seems to be all too quickly changing to frigid winter air; My fuzzy pjs and blanket to curl up and watch a movie with on cold evenings; Walking; Music; Photography; Sunsets; Sunrises...when I'm up in time that is;. A reliable car; DARK chocolate; Camp fires; Hayrides; Singing; Lambs.

My work experience so far

I have now completed 3 days at my new job. Can you say wow! There are so many little things to remember and tons of papers to load! It seems a bit daunting right now, but will come with a little practice and time. It took 2.5 days to do what will need to be done by 4:00 on Mondays! We did have to solve some computer issues and print id badges this week too which took some time. I went to lunch with my supervisor today and he said that I had completed things as expected, if not faster than expected for my first week. That made me feel a little bit of relief. I was a bit nervous when it took that long and I found out what I had done should be done by 4 on Mondays! It has been a good experience so far and I look forward to catching on and speeding up the process. It is nice to have a steady job and not have to worry about where I'm going to apply next. Funny thing...since I began work this week, I have had companies call me for interviews. I guess when there is drought there is drought, and when it rains it pours! I am so greatfull for how God has provided and worked in and through me during this whole time.

Church & Pizza

Sunday, I went to church with my parents at the little country church I attended as a kid and my dad pastors. This is a picture of a model someone made that sits atop the piano.

The hymn book that they gave me out of which I learned many hymns...opened to my favorite hymn below.

On Monday evening, my parents, youngest brother, and I picked up my nephew and took him out to eat at Pizza Hut. Uncle Ken surprised him with a tour while we waited for our food. He also introduced us to the apple pies that some of the Pizza Huts now have. Although they were good, I preferred the cinnamon sticks with glaze.

My nephew with Unlce Ken.

Me and my nephew.

Family History

Last Saturday, about 30 members of my mom's side of the family got together to celebrate our family history. I know that more would have liked to come but were not able to at this time. We began by enjoying conversation and eating. Then my mom and her siblings shared pictures and stories of their dad. I, like quite a few of my cousins, did not have the opportunity to know my grandpa; he passed away in 1957 when my mom was a little girl of 9. It was great to see pictures and hear stories. I knew a little bit from what my mom has told me before, but it was great to hear my aunts and uncles experiences as well.

Here Uncle Bill shares his stories of his dad and growing up. It looks like he is ready to document the day for future generations as well. Cousin Diane reads memories that my mom typed up.

We also celebrated anniversaries of my parents and aunts & uncles.

Pictured here are: Aunt Lois & Uncle Jim (52 years); Mom & Dad (35 years); Aunt Arlona & Uncle Al (45 years); Uncle Bill & Aunt Gerri (55 years); Uncle Curtis & Aunt Dodie (the newly weds...6 months)

The couples that were married 10 years apart; 35, 45, & 55 years respectively. This is something to be celebrated...especially since marriage longivity is becoming more of an exception these days.

My sister and niece. My niece is learning how to knit. My counsin Jim's daughter. My cousin Dave's son.

His other son. His wife & their youngest son. K has come a long way! We ended the celebration with a hymn sing-a-long accompanied by Diane. It was a wonderful day of rememberance, celebration, and passing on the family legacy.

How many chiropractors does it take to find you a job?

In my case...3. In talking with my mom this weekend, we discovered a series of events that led me to meet the chiropractor who helped me find my job. I used to go to a chiropractor up north who referred me to a chiropractor here in town. That chiropractor hired the chiropractor that refferred me to the job. Now that I probably have you all confused. I attended my orientation today where I sat through countless videos on home healthcare professionals. I'm not sure how much of it I will actually use doing billing and payroll, but it did give me a better understanding of what those out in the field are doing. I offically begin work on Monday.

hiho hiho it's off to work I go!

This morning it was confirmed that I have been hired to work full-time! Thank you to everyone who was praying for me. I will be doing billing and payroll for a home health care business. What is ironic is that out of all the applications that I submitted this is the only job that I didn't have ANY background or experience! In this case it was in who I knew. I would like to send out a HUGE thank you to my chiropractor who told me about the position and highly recommended me. (His friend and former college room-mate, was the one who hired me.) I know that I am capable of learning the job quickly, but am a bit nervous since I have not done that type of work before. I thank God for how He has provided not only this job but in so many other ways over the past several months. The library is closing, so I will continue later.

THANK YOU!